[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13332-13336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-3709]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 50 / Wednesday, March 15, 2006 / 
Notices  

[[Page 13332]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. TM-06-03]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP); Notice of Emergency Approval 
of New Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the 
availability of approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for 
fiscal year 2006 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural 
commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market 
opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market 
opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community 
supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer 
infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible entities 
from the following categories: (1) Agricultural cooperatives, (2) local 
governments, (3) nonprofit corporations, (4) public benefit 
corporations, (5) economic development corporations, (6) regional 
farmers' market authorities, and (7) tribal governments. The maximum 
award per grant is $75,000. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, AMS has received emergency approval of a new information 
approval.

DATES: Applications should be received at the address below as soon as 
possible, but must be postmarked not later than May 1, 2006. Comments 
regarding the information collection requirement under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 must be received on or before May 15, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required materials to Mr. Errol 
Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services Branch, 
Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS), USDA, Room 2646--South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0269; phone 202/720-8317; and e-mail 
[email protected]. Comments concerning the information collection 
requirements should be sent to the office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, OMB: Attention: Desk Officer for AMS, Washington, DC 20503. 
Please state that your comments refer to Docket No. TM-06-03. Comments 
concerning the information requirements also should be sent to Mr. 
Errol Bragg at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy 
Administrator, Marketing Services Branch, Transportation and Marketing 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), on 202/720-8317, fax 
202/690-0031, or by e-mail [email protected]. State that your request 
for information refers to Docket No. TM-06-03.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    This solicitation is issued pursuant to section 6 of the Farmer-to-
Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001-3006) as amended 
by section 10605 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(Pub. L. 107-171) (the Acts) authorizing the establishment of the 
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005) (FMPP). The amended 
act states that the purposes of the FMPP are ``(A) to increase domestic 
consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or 
assisting in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers' 
markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and 
other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (B) to 
develop, or aid in the development of, new farmers' markets, roadside 
stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct 
producer-to-consumer infrastructure.'' The Secretary of Agriculture has 
delegated the program's administration to the USDA-AMS. Further, in 
accordance with the Secretary's Statement of Policy (36 FR 13804), it 
is found and determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, 
unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to engage in further 
public participation under 5 U.S.C 553 because the applications for the 
FMPP need to be made available as soon as possible as the programs 
season approaches. Additionally, a report to Congress is pending.

Background

    AMS's authorizing authorities are the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act 
of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001-3006), and the recent amendment to the 1976 Act, 
the Farmers Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005). Under the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, the Secretary of Agriculture is 
authorized to conduct, assist, and foster research, investigation, and 
experimentation to determine the best methods of processing, 
preparation for market, packaging, handling, transporting, storing, 
distributing, and marketing agricultural products, 7 U.S.C. 1622(a). 
Moreover, 7 U.S.C. 1622(f) directs and authorizes the Secretary to 
conduct and cooperate in consumer education for more effective 
utilization and greater consumption of agricultural products. In 
addition, 7 U.S.C. 1622(n) authorizes the Secretary to conduct services 
and to perform activities that will facilitate the marketing and 
utilization of agricultural products through commercial channels.
    The Farmer-to-Consumer Marketing Act of 1976 directs USDA to 
encourage the direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers 
to consumers, and to promote the development and expansion of direct 
marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. With 
this mandate in mind, AMS has been heavily involved for more than a 
decade in assisting and facilitating farmer and vendor participation in 
direct farm marketing via farmers markets, community-supported 
agriculture programs, roadside stands, and other direct marketing 
channels.
    Direct marketing activities have been an especially dynamic area of 
growth for the U.S. agricultural sector in recent years. AMS estimates 
that more than 3,700 farmers markets currently operate in the United 
States, more than double the number of markets that existed in 1994. 
Community supported agriculture

[[Page 13333]]

arrangements, where customers purchase advance shares of a farm's 
production in return for regular deliveries of product during the 
harvest season, have also seen a dramatic rise in popularity, expanding 
from an estimated 60 operations in 1990 to more than 1,000 operations 
in 2005. The rapid growth in direct farm marketing activities is 
reflected in the latest statistics available from the U.S. Census of 
Agriculture, which reports a 37 percent increase in the value of direct 
farm sales between 1997 and 2002.
    Farmers markets and other direct farm marketing outlets represent 
more than just a commercial outlet for agricultural products; they act 
as intermediate social structures linking urban, suburban and rural 
sectors of the economy. Not only do farmers markets provide consumers 
with convenient access to a wide variety of locally-grown, seasonal 
farm products at peak condition, many of which are often difficult to 
find through standard channels of distribution, but they also enable 
consumers to develop a personal relationship with farmers and learn 
more about the origin of the food they purchase. Meanwhile, farmers 
benefit from farmers markets and other direct marketing activities by 
being able to efficiently reach large numbers of highly motivated 
customers through a single channel of distribution. Such direct 
marketing arrangements allow farmers to enhance their farm-based income 
by:
     Eliminating farmer dependence on intermediaries and 
reducing their marketing expenses;
     Providing an outlet for farmers to merchandise highly-
differentiated farm products with specific quality attributes; and
     Enabling farmers to obtain immediate feedback directly 
from customers and respond quickly to consumer tastes and preferences.
    In view of the growing importance of direct farm marketing 
activities across the country, AMS has begun to receive an increasing 
number of requests from farmers, vendors, and other direct farm 
marketing stakeholders to address the operational, logistical, and 
training needs of the direct farm marketing community. AMS will oversee 
and distribute grants under the FMPP to assist those eligible entities 
needing assistance in order to facilitate the continued successful 
development and growth of direct farm marketing ventures.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), this notice announces that Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS) has received emergency approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget of a new information collection.
    Title: Farmers Market Promotion Program.
    OMB Number: 0581-0235.
    Type of Request: Approval of a new information collection.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of OMB approval.
    Abstract: The primary objective of the FMPP is to help eligible 
entities to improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside 
stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct 
producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Eligible entities under this 
program include agricultural cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit 
corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development 
corporations, regional farmers' market authorities, and other entities 
as the Secretary may designate (7 U.S.C. 3005(c)). The Secretary has 
designated Tribal Governments as an eligible entity for this grant 
program.
    AMS has established guidelines for the FMPP that contain full 
details of the program and application process. The guidelines and all 
forms required for applying for FMPP grants are available from AMS's 
Marketing Services Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/index.htm, by calling 202/720-8317, or faxing 202/690-0031. Eligible 
entities are strongly encouraged to consult the guidelines when 
preparing applications for submission to the FMPP.
    All applicants requesting Federal funding must complete Form SF-
424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (approved under OMB 
collection number 4040-0004). Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs,'' (approved under OMB collection number 0348-
0044) must also be completed by applicants to show the project's budget 
breakdown, both as to expense categories and the division between 
Federal and non-federal sources, as applicable. Form SF-424B, 
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,'' (approved under OMB collection 
number 0348-0040) must also be completed by applicants to give the 
Federal government assurances that the applicant has the legal 
authority to apply for Federal assistance. Form SF-269A, Financial 
Status Report (Short form approved under OMB 0348-0038) or SF-
269, Financial Status Report, (Long form approved under OMB 
0348-0039, (if the project had program income)) is completed 
once by the eligible entity 90 days after the expiration date of the 
grant period. The applicant also gives assurance that it will comply 
with various legal and regulatory requirements as described within the 
form.
    Completed applications must include a proposal narrative along with 
an eligibility statement. We estimate that it will take applicants 8 
hours to complete the proposal narrative and eligibility statement. 
Comments are requested on this new public reporting burden.
    Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for this collection 
of information is estimated to average 8 hours per response.
    Respondents: Agricultural Cooperatives, Local Governments, 
Nonprofit Corporations, Public Benefit Corporations, Economic 
Development Corporations, Regional Farmers' Market Authorities, and 
Tribal Governments.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 400.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 1.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 400.
    Estimated total annual burden on the respondents: 3,200 hours.
    AMS needs to receive the information contained in this collection 
of information to select the projects it believes will promote the 
purposes of the Acts and the domestic consumption of agricultural 
commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer marketing 
opportunities. The selection process is competitive and AMS must ensure 
that limited funds are used for the intended purpose.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the new collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
new collection of information including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on those who are to 
respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.
    All comments concerning the information collection shall reference 
the docket number and the date and page number of this issue of the 
Federal Register. Comments concerning the information collection 
requirements should be sent to the office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, OMB: Attention: Desk Officer for AMS, Washington, DC 20503. 
Please state that

[[Page 13334]]

your comments refer to Docket No. TM-06-03. Comments also may be sent 
to Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services 
Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), USDA, Room 2646--South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC, 20250-0269; phone 202/720-8317; and e-mail 
[email protected]. Comments received will be available for public 
inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All 
comments will become a matter of public record.
    AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act that requires Government agencies in general to provide 
the public the option of submitting information or transacting business 
electronically to the maximum extent possible. The three SF forms, as 
well as the proposal narrative and eligibility statement, can be filled 
out electronically and printed out for submission or filled out 
electronically and submitted as an attachment through Grants.gov with 
the proposal narrative and eligibility statement.

Definitions of Eligible Entities

    The eligible entities include those outlined in section 6 (c) of 
the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C 3005(c)). 
In addition, the Secretary has designated Tribal Governments as an 
eligible entity for this grant program. Eligible entities are defined 
in this program and throughout this NOFA as follows: \1\
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    \1\ References to a state also include the District of Columbia.
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    Agricultural cooperative--A group- or member-owned entity or 
business that provides, offers, or sells agricultural products or 
services for the mutual benefit of the members thereof.
    Local Government--Local government means any unit of local 
government within a State, including a county, borough, municipality, 
city, town, township, parish, local public authority, special district, 
school district, intrastate district, council of governments, and any 
other instrumentality of local government.
    Nonprofit Corporation--Any organization or institution, including 
nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status and accredited institutions of 
higher education, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the 
benefit of any private shareholders or individuals.
    Public Benefit Corporation--A corporation organized to construct or 
operate a public improvement, the profits from which inure to the 
benefit of a State(s) or to the people thereof.
    Economic Development Corporation--An organization whose mission is 
the improvement, maintenance, development and/or marketing or promotion 
of a specific geographic area.
    Regional Farmers' Market Authority--An entity that establishes and 
enforces region, state, or county policies and jurisdiction over 
regional, state, or county farmers markets.
    Tribal Government--A governing body or a governmental agency of any 
Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community 
(including any Native village as defined in section 3 of the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. 1602)) certified 
by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs 
and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Recipient and Project Eligibility Requirements

    All eligible entities shall be domestic entities, i.e., those 
owned, operated, and located within one or more of the 50 United States 
and the District of Columbia only. Entities located within U.S. 
territories are not eligible.
    Additionally, under this program eligible entities must apply for 
FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operators that include two or 
more agricultural farmers/vendors that produce and sell their own 
products through a common distribution channel. For example, a sole 
proprietor of a roadside farm market would not be eligible for this 
program. Because the FMPP is authorized by and amends the Farmer-To-
Consumer Marketing Act of 1976, AMS will oversee and award grant 
projects that continue in developing, promoting, and expanding direct 
marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. 
Eligible proposals should support marketing entities where agricultural 
farmers or vendors sell their own products directly to consumers, and 
the sales of these farm products should demonstrate the core business 
of the entity.
    Individual agricultural producers, including farmers and farmers' 
market vendors, roadside stand operators, community supported 
agriculture participants, and other individual direct marketers are not 
eligible for FMPP funds.
    FMPP grant funds must be applied to the specific programs and 
objectives identified in the application. Proprietary projects that 
benefit one agricultural producer or individual will not be considered.

Project Timeframe

    Projects are to be completed within 18 months.

Proposal Preparation

    Applicants must submit the following information; applications that 
do not contain this information will not be considered:
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form 
must have an original signature.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    4. DUNS Number--A Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number is required for all FMPP applications and all 
Federal grants (68 FR 38 402). You may check to see if your 
organization already has a DUNS number, or if you do not already have a 
DUNS number, you may acquire one online at no cost at https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/ You may also acquire 
one by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-
866-705-5711.
    5. Eligibility Statement. Explain how the applicant meets the 
definition of an agricultural cooperative, local government, nonprofit 
corporation, public benefit corporation, regional farmers' market 
authority, or other eligible entity as outlined in the ``Definitions'' 
section of this NOFA. Applications without sufficient information to 
determine their eligibility will not be considered. This eligibility 
statement will be counted towards the 10-page maximum for the proposal 
narrative.
    6. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project 
proposal must not exceed 10 pages (Times New Roman font, 12 pt. pitch, 
single spaced, 8.5 by 11 inch-paper). The narrative must be organized 
under the following headings:
    a. Project Title. Provide a title that captures the primary focus 
of the project.
    b. Executive Summary. The project summary, not to exceed 200 words, 
must include the following: a description of the project including the 
goals to be accomplished, stages of work and resources required, the 
expected timeframe for completing all tasks and results, and primary 
project manager responsible for the project.
    c. Goals of the Project. Provide a clear statement that includes 
the ultimate goal(s) and objective(s) (one or two sentences) of the 
project.
    d. Background Statement. Provide information regarding past, 
current,

[[Page 13335]]

and/or future events, conditions, or actions taken that justify the 
need for the project.
    e. Workplan and Resource Requirements. Provide a statement that 
includes the planned scope of work, anticipated stages and timelines, 
and the resources required to complete the project. Identify who will 
do the work, whether collaborative arrangements or subcontractors will 
be used, the amount of resource commitments of the collaborators, and 
the role(s) and responsibilities of each collaborator or project 
partner.
    f. Expected Results. Describe what is to be accomplished, the 
expected results, and how success will be measured at the completion of 
the project.
    g. Beneficiaries. Describe which persons, organizations, and/or 
entities will benefit from the project work or research outlined in the 
proposal.
    h. Supplemental Budget Summary. Provide in sufficient detail 
information about the budget categories listed on Form SF-424A to 
demonstrate that the budget is reasonable and adequate for the proposed 
work. Additional detail and justification must be provided for any 
purchase that is expected to exceed $5,000. For full information on how 
to complete the Supplemental Budget Summary, please refer to the FMPP 
Guidelines available from AMS's Marketing Services Branch Web site at: 
http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/index.htm
    i. Primary Project Manager Information. Provide the mailing 
address, telephone and fax number, and e-mail address for the person 
responsible for managing and/or overseeing the project.
    7. Methods of Evaluating Proposals. Applicants should ensure that 
evaluation criteria are addressed within the proposal narrative. Each 
proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria:
    a. The need for the project, excluding, however, routine 
operational expenses such as management salaries or other's salaries 
associated with normal operation of farm markets/marketing entities, 
utility bills, and insurance premiums.
    b. Direct benefit to farmers/vendors, provided any benefit for 
individual farmers/vendors are provided for every market participating 
farmer/vendor in a market/market entity.
    c. Project innovation.
    d. Collaboration/partnerships (include partner qualifications) and 
farmer/producer participation.
    e. Methodology for quantitative evaluation and measurement of the 
project's impact.
    f. Project sustainability.
    g. Transferability of project outcomes.
    h. Reasonableness of budget.

Grant Amounts

    The amount of funds available for FMPP grants in FY 2006 is 
approximately $1 million. The maximum amount of Federal funds awarded 
for any one proposal will be $75,000.

Number of Awards

    No one applicant can receive more than one FMPP grant.

Eligible Grant Uses

    FMPP grants are for, but are not limited to, projects and proposals 
that are associated with the following:
    1. Innovative Approaches to Market Operations and Management--
Projects that address operational or marketing opportunities and issues 
of markets and/or farmers/vendors to: Enhance product value and sales; 
increase revenue and efficiency; or reduce expenses. These projects may 
address:
     Advertising and market promotion.
     Labeling and signage.
     Waste management.
     Recycling.
     Liability coverage and insurance.
     Facility planning and/or design.
     Transportation and delivery systems.
     Infrastructure for electronic benefits transfer (EBT) 
usage; processing, kitchen incubators, storage, packaging, and 
refrigeration.
    2. Improving Access to Relevant Marketing and Financial 
Information--Projects that provide opportunities and promote training, 
education, networking, and information sharing for farmers, vendors, 
market management, and market sponsors. These projects are designed to 
enhance sales volumes, self-sufficiency, and product security/safety. 
Project focuses may address:
     Direct marketing practices and methods, business planning, 
market growth management, recordkeeping, food handling and safety, 
farmer and vendor selection, recruitment, and retention.
     Consumer trends, demographics, changing ethnic 
demographics, and their relationship to customer purchasing patterns.
     Alternative purchasing methods, such as EBT; Women, 
Infants, and Children (WIC) coupons; Senior Farmers Market Nutrition 
Program (SFMNP) coupons; and debit/credit technologies.
     Association and other organizational development.
    3. Consumer-Based Education and Market Access--Projects that 
address ways to improve consumers' access and utilization of markets/
entities: These projects may include:
     Increasing consumer EBT use and awareness with a required 
emphasis on the assessment, evaluation, and measurement of the impact 
at eligible markets/entities.
     Consumer education that focuses on new food and 
agricultural products, product applications, and chef demonstrations 
with a required emphasis on the assessment, evaluation, and impact of 
such education on consumer patronage at eligible markets/entities.
     Assessment, evaluation, and impact of the vendors and/or 
the market/entities in providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables 
to low-income households, children, and seniors.

Ineligible Grant Uses

    FMPP grant funds cannot be used to pay for:
    1. Acquisition of land, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition or 
construction of a building or facility.
    2. Political or lobbying activities.
    3. Any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.

How To Submit Proposals and Applications

    Each application must contain the following information stated in 
the ``Proposal Preparation'' section of the NOFA: Forms SF-424, SF-
424A, and SF-424B; the entity DUNS number; the entity eligibility 
statement; and the proposal narrative.
    Following are the options available for submitting proposals and 
applications:
    Electronic Submissions--Proposals that are electronically submitted 
to AMS via e-mail must be sent to [email protected]. E-mailed proposal 
submissions must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format. Form SF-
424 ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' must be completed and 
submitted with original signature and mailed to: Mr. Errol Bragg, 
Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services Branch, 
Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, Room 2646--South, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20250-0269. (202) 720-
8317.
    Paper Submissions--For paper submissions, an original and one copy 
of the proposal, with all required forms, must be submitted in one 
package,

[[Page 13336]]

preferably via express mail. Because packages sent to the Agency 
through the United States Postal Service can be damaged or delayed due 
to security procedures at USDA Washington DC headquarters, express mail 
services or couriers are strongly recommended. Paper submissions must 
be sent to: Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing 
Services Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, Room 
2646--South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20250-0269. 
(202) 720-8317.
    If an e-mail address is provided, FMPP will send an e-mail message 
confirming receipt of the application package.
    Electronic Submissions via Grants.gov--Federal grant applicants may 
apply electronically for grants through the Federal grants Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov. Applicants who submit their FMPP proposals via 
the Federal grants Web site are not required to submit any paper 
documents to FMPP. For information on how to apply electronically, 
click on http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.

    Dated: March 10, 2006.
Lloyd Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-3709 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P